In an era in which technology can extend the length of life, nursing helps ensure the
quality of life.
This week, KU Medical Center celebrates this and more as it observes National Nurses Week.
The theme, "Nursing: Healing from the Heart," aptly describes the care provided
by KUMC nurses, said Ann Babb, vice president and chief nurse executive.

"In our tertiary health care center in Kansas City, we have the unique ability to
combine our learning environment with that of a high-tech, high-touch environment,"
she said. Our nurses do it best."
KUMC nurses are known for combining science with compassion to meet their patients' needs.
As an integral part of an academic medical center, KUMC nurses also bring health promotion
and education to the forefront and exhibit a consistently high level of expertise in the
healing arts.
That level of expertise begins with the quality of education provided by the KU School of
Nursing. With a solid foundation in liberal arts, the health care sciences and clinical
applications, KU nursing students bring an extensive educational background in
comprehensive health care to their careers.
"Our students are among the best and brightest in higher education," said Karen
L. Miller, RN, PhD, FAAN, dean and professor, School of Nursing. "Their enthusiasm
for a career in professional nursing combined with the exceptional expertise of our
faculty ensures that anyone who receives health care from a KU School of Nursing graduate
will truly have healing from the heart."

Nurse practitioners reach out KUMC nursing also leads the way in providing advanced practice
nursing in medically underserved counties across Kansas. Beginning in 1993, the KU School
of Nursing planned, developed and implemented the Kansas Primary Care Family Nurse
Practitioner Program. Under the leadership of Helen Connors, RN, PhD, associate dean for
academic affairs at the School of Nursing, the program combined faculty expertise from KU,
Fort Hays State and Wichita State Universities.
The program now includes Pittsburg State University and an outreach site of the KU School
of Nursing in Garden City. Since 1994, the program has graduated 344 family nurse
practitioners, 202 of whom work in medically underserved counties. Recently, the Kansas
Legislature passed a law expanding nurse practitioners' authority to write prescriptions.

Nominate your favorite nurse In tribute to our nurses, KUMC has placed display ads in local
newspapers for National Nurses Day, May 6, and has scheduled a variety of events
throughout the week. Nurses have received several gifts and treats and can earn free
continuing education credits at two programs May 6. A lunch to recognize Department of
Nursing employees is also planned for May 6 and again on May 8 for weekend staff.
You also have time to nominate your favorite bestnurse for the 1999 Nursing:
The Heart of Healthcare Award. Sponsored by the KU School of Nursing, this annual award
honors 10 registered nurses from across Kansas and the metropolitan Kansas City area for
their exceptional patient care and professional leadership. This is a major event
recognizing excellence in nursing.
Nominees can be nurses who provide clinical care in hospitals, physician clinics, schools,
public health agencies or any other place a nurse may be practicing.
Contact Kari Ziblut, ext. 1616, for a nomination form or go to
http://www2.kumc.edu/son/nursing.htm for an on-line nomination form. The deadline for
nominations is May 21. Winners will be selected in early July. The 10th annual awards
banquet is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18.

Dean Miller says . . . Nurses help humanize health careKU School of Nursing is recognized as a national leader in nursing
education and research. And Dean Karen L. Miller, RN, PhD, FAAN, dean and professor, is a
progressive health care leader and educator, advocating for changes in the delivery of
health care. During National Nurses Week and the graduation season, Dean Miller provides
insight into and recognition of nurses and their achievements.

Nursing: Healing from the Heart
Our students are among the best and the brightest in higher education. Their enthusiasm
for a career in professional nursing combined with the exceptional expertise of our
faculty ensures that anyone who receives health care from a KU School of Nursing graduate
will truly have healing from the heart.
Karen L. Miller, RN, PhD, FAAN, Dean and Professor,
KU School of Nursing

"Nurses help to humanize a health care environment that is often frightening to
people," Dean Miller said. "Our graduates learn to decrease the vulnerability
that patients feel. They are able to support the capacity of an individual to heal . . .
all the while juggling the complexities of our current health care system.
"Graduation is the beginning of a nurse's life as a professional. With the education
and preparation they receive at the KU School of Nursing, our nurses are well equipped to
meet the challenges that await them in a dynamic health care field. There will be many
adjustments as they gain experience, but their education has prepared them to see learning
as a lifelong endeavor," Dean Miller counseled.
Dean Miller continued, "Graduation is an opportunity to celebrate each graduate's
accomplishment, with friends and family, who have supported and encouraged the student
through his or her education. It is a symbol of achievement and a new beginning as a
professional.
"Here at KU, graduates of the School of Nursing are our best ambassadors. They remain
connected to the School through a sense of loyalty and appreciation for the quality
education they received. We value their continued involvement and support," she
concluded.

Registration deadline is May 19Fun, friends and KU spirit
part of Corporate Challenge
You can have fun, make new friends, get healthier, and help KU win all by taking part in
the 1999 Kansas City Corporate Challenge.

Corporate Challenge is the annual, city-wide competition that encourages
individual physical fitness, employee well-being and a team concept. It allows everyone to
participate in a sport, whether it be tennis, bicycling, fishing, swimming or any other
competitive endeavor. Everyone who completes an event earns a point for KUMC, and
additional points are awarded based on individual or team performance. Any open entry slot
is a missed opportunity to score points, so join the team now!
The deadline for signing up is May 19. Openings still exist for several individual and
team events. To be a part of the KUMC team, contact Jan Schmidt, ext. 7703, or stop by the
Kirmayer Fitness Center to pick up an entry form.

KU Hospital to treat employees
for National Hospital WeekKUMC is known for its leading edge medical technology and the many
clinical, research and academic programs it fosters. Yet behind the multi-million dollar
equipment and ever-expanding facilities, one thing more than any other determines the
quality of services provided to both patients and staff-the people who work here.

Each year, KU Hospital recognizes the expertise, dedication, accomplish-ments and
contributions of employees during National Hospital Week. To celebrate this year's
National Hospital Week, May 9 through 15, the hospital will treat all employees to a free
pancake, sausage and orange juice breakfast on May 12. The buffet will be served 7-9:30
a.m., in a tent outside the Main Cafeteria.

Ann Cobb serves through nursing, art, anthropologyA love of health care. An avocation in art. Expertise in
anthropology. These areas give rise to the community contributions of Ann K. Cobb, RN,
PhD, professor at the KU School of Nursing and this year's School of Nursing distinguished
alumnus.

Dr. Cobb, who earned her bachelor of nursing degree and her doctorate in anthropology
from KU, is known for her ability to link her disparate interests for the good of others.
She has led grief seminars at the Menninger Foundation, curated two KU Museum of
Anthropology exhibits, and taught anthropology and nursing around the world. A 1997-98
Fulbright scholar, Dr. Cobb taught at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Notre,
Natal, Brazil, and has lived on the Amazon River, where she studied, learned from and
brought health care services to the region's indigenous people.
This year, Dr. Cobb is helping recruit artists and funding for Van Go Mobile Arts, a
Lawrence based not-for-profit that provides arts programs for at-risk and underserved
children.
"This summer, were launching a jobs program for teens, in which they work under
the direction of professional artists to design and carry out community arts
projects, said Dr. Cobb, a member of the Van Go board of directors. "The
professional artists will be mentors for young people, not only in creating art, but in
learning how to work with others, be on time and accountable, and how to complete a
project.
"I'm always looking for ways of integrating art, nursing and anthropology," said
Dr. Cobb, an artist who has sold several paintings made during her trips overseas. "I
think art heals.

'Putting On The Ritz'Alums honor four in weekend celebrationThe Country Club Plaza's elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel is the venue for two KU alumni
banquets this weekend. The School of Medicine assembles Friday, May 7, to present Marc A.
Asher, MD, 1962, professor of orthopedic surgery, as distinguished alumnus, and Paul R.
Schloerb, MD, professor of surgery, as honorary alumnus.

Marc A. Asher, MD,
Paul
R. Schloerb, MD

Ann K. Cobb, RN, PhD
Helen
B. Connors, RN, PhD

The School of Nursing gathers Saturday, May 8, to recognize Ann K. Cobb, RN, PhD, 1967,
professor of nursing, as distinguished alumnus, and Helen B. Connors, RN, PhD, associate
dean for academic affairs, as honorary alumnus. Both celebrations begin with a social hour
at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing in the Grand Ballroom.
Other events this weekend include:
Friday, May 7:
· The Peter T. Bohan Lecture, presented by Marjorie Sirridge, MD,
dean of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, noon, Lied Auditorium.
· Open house hosted by the Alumni Relations Office, 1 to 2 p.m.,
1028 Murphy.
· Free health check for alumni and spouses, 2 to 3 p.m., Murphy
Building lobby.
· Open house and book signing by Loren Humphrey, MD, PhD, former
chair of surgery at KUMC and author of Medical Blemishes, 2 to 4 p.m., KUMC Bookstore.
· Panel discussion presented by the KU Endowment Association, 2
to 4 p.m., Lied Auditorium.
· Alumni reception hosted by the Department of History and
Philosophy of Medicine, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Clendening Library foyer. The library foyer will
also house a special exhibit on Logan Clendening, long-time physician and faculty member
at KU School of Medicine.
Saturday, May 8:
· Tours of KU Hospital beginning at 9 a.m.
· Open house at Kirmayer Fitness Center, 11 a.m. to noon.

Rehab survey highlights campus-wide teamworkWhen the Department of Rehabilitation Services was faced with
preparing for an on-site survey by the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission (CARF),
they asked for-and received-help from a variety of KUMC departments. As a result of that
team effort, the two-day review process was highly successful, according to Sara Dale
Brandt, PhD, director of rehabilitation services.
"We received a tremendous amount of support house-wide," said Dr. Brandt.
"In particular, Facilities Management and Environmental Services did a tremendous
amount of work."
Dr. Brandt noted that Mike Wood, associate director of facilities management structural
maintenance, and Dave McElfresh, physical plant supervisor for exterior construction,
"did a magnificent job" refurbishing the head injury room. She also cited staff
contributions from the Information Services, Legal, Dietary, Infection Prevention and
Control, Medical Records, and Safety Offices for responding quickly and efficiently to
every request for documentation needed for the survey.
"We also received messages house-wide from people who knew about the survey, saying,
'good luck,' " Dr. Brandt said. "Everyone was very supportive."
The on-site survey team cited the department's experienced and dedicated staff, excellent
patient care protocols, good team interaction and excellent medical direction. The survey
report will go the CARF Board of Trustees, which will determine the department's final
score. Dr. Brandt should receive the report in about eight weeks.

Nursing students salute four Excellence in classroom teaching is the hallmark for four School of
Nursing professors to be recognized during the School of Nursing Teacher Appreciation
Banquet, May 6, at the Student Union on the Lawrence campus. The professors were selected
by students as part of the annual KU Center for Teaching Excellence recognition program.
To be honored are Patricia Fazzone, RN, DNSc, assistant professor; Nancy Hoffart, RN, PhD,
associate professor; Janet Pierce, RN, DSN, and Cynthia Teel, RN, PhD.

Hearing and Speech Department celebrates 50 years

Celebrating past success and looking to the future are the hallmarks of the L.B. Spake
Hearing and Speech Department's 50th Anniversary event May 8. The celebration will feature
symposia on speech-language pathology, audiology and deaf education at KU Medical Center
with KUMC faculty and distinguished alumni presenting. An evening gala banquet will be at
the Ritz-Carlton.

Founded in 1949, the department has graduated more than 2,000 students in conjunction
with the Lawrence campus through the KU Intercampus Program.
"Many of our graduates have gone on to gain national and international prominence in
research, education and patient
care," said John Ferraro, PhD, chairman of the department.
The banquet will help raise funds for a scholarship to honor one of the department's
founders, June B. Miller, who died Oct. 12, 1998. That fund's goal is to raise $100,000 to
support scholarships for graduate education, of which more than $30,000 has been donated.
The department was recognized last year by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top
ten communication disorder programs in the country. Along with Miller, community leader
LaVerne B. Spake was critical in founding the department that now bears his name. Many of
its programs are based in the building named in Miller's honor.
Contributed by Randy Attwood

Auxiliary honors members, elects officersRecognition of members, scholarships for students and installation of new
officers were among the activities at the KUMC Auxiliary Guest Day Luncheon, April 28 at
the Kansas City Club. Ann Nelson and Dorothy Ebner received Honorary Memberships for their
significant contributions to the Auxiliary, while nine students from the Schools of Allied
Health and Nursing received scholarships. The Slate of Officers for 1999-2000 were also
announced. They are: Jolee Fishback and Carolyn Warren, co-presidents; Marilyn Lucas,
recording secretary; Celia Arnold, corresponding secretary; Jean Kimmel, treasurer; Lisa
Hardin, assistant treasurer, and Peg Cramer and Virginia Pugh, members at large.

University offers customer relations trainingKU employees will have an opportunity to share their experiences, skills
and ideas for promoting excellence in customer service at Encore Customer Service, a
four-hour customer relations program. Through group discussions, role play and group
exercises, participants focus on skills and techniques to improve communication, create
positive public impressions and deal effectively with issues of confidentiality and
difficult situations. Presented in two segments, the first is Tuesday, May 18, 9 to 11
a.m., and repeats at the same time Thursday, May 20. The second session is Wednesday, June
2 and again Thursday, June 3, 1 to 3 p.m. The location will be announced. To enroll, or
for more information, call ext. 5099.

Free day of fitness during flashback to the '70s All KUMC employees, faculty, and students are invited to join in a free day
of exercise Wednesday, May 19, during the "Fitness Flashback Journey" to the
1970s at Kirmayer Fitness Center. During the day, exercise enthusiasts will enjoy the
fitness trends of the 1970s as they work out. The first 70 people to enroll or renew
memberships through payroll deduction or annual membership will receive a free month
during this one-day promotion. For more information, call Lynette Henkel at ext. 7706.

Workplace violence prevention trainingIn a joint presentation Wednesday, May 12, from 2 to 4 p.m., the University
Department of Human Resources and the University Police Department offer "Preventing
Violence in the Workplace." The location will be announced. To enroll, or for more
information, call ext. 7542.

SOTA sponsors food driveThe Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is joining Harvesters
to end hunger in the Kansas City community by sponsoring a food drive. Non-perishable food
items and household items may be placed in donation barrels in the Occupational Therapy
Office, 3033 Robinson, and outside the KUMC Bookstore in Stoland Lounge. The drive will
continue through May 11.

IN THE CENTER is the employee and student publication of the University of Kansas
Medical Center. It is published weekly by the office of Public Relations and Marketing.
The deadline for submitting news briefs is noon on the Thursday before they are to appear.
Send story ideas to Ken Arnold, editor, G114 Hospital, or e-mail: <karnold> or call
ext. 1298.

Ad Policy
Send or bring your ad to G114 KU Hospital, or fax to ext. 1225, or e-mail: <karnold>
by noon Thursday of the week before it is to run. Ads run free of charge for employees,
students and volunteers. For-sale ads are limited to three items. All ads must include the
advertisers name and work extension (or medical student box number) for
verification. Only home phone numbersno pager numbers or KUMC extensionswill
be published. No ads for commercial services or pets for sale will be accepted. Ads will
not be taken by telephone. Only one phone number per ad. Ads may be held a week of space
is limited.